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Illinois Public Media

Pence Sworn in as Indiana Governor

Indiana’s new governor says he wants his state to become a torch of opportunity and hope.

Republican Mike Pence was sworn in Monday as Indiana 50th governor, replacing Mitch Daniels who is taking over as president of Purdue University. Pence used former President Benjamin Harrison’s inaugural Bible from the late 1800s to take the oath as governor.

During his inaugural address outside of the Indiana statehouse, Pence credited Daniels for leaving Indiana in good shape, but he said more needs to be done to help people who are struggling.

“When many of our sister states, some on the coast and some nearby are struggling, our state is poised for an era of growth like no other in our lifetime,” Pence said. “This is our time to shine, but to whom much is given, much will be required.”

Pence said he wants to make Indiana the nation’s leading state for job creation and education, adding that parents should be given more choices in the education of their children.

He previously served six terms in Congress, quickly standing out as one of just a few House Republicans to vote against the “No Child Left Behind” policy.

Pence was expected to meet Monday afternoon with Republican and Democratic leaders of the General Assembly. He is scheduled to give his first State of the State address before legislators on Jan. 22.

Pence and his wife plan to live in the governor’s residence on the north side of Indianapolis, which Mitch Daniels and wife Cheri never occupied.

There has been speculation that Pence might run for president in 2016.

Also being sworn into office were new Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and re-elected Republican Attorney General Greg Zoeller. New Democratic state schools superintendent Glenda Ritz plans her own formal ceremony at the Statehouse on Saturday.